Argentina 0-2 Brazil [Superclásico de las Américas, National Stadium]: Diego Tardelli brace earns Seleção prestigious friendly victory

Brazil defeated Argentina 2-0 in Beijing to win their third consecutive Superclásico de las Américas. A goal either side of half-time from Atlético Mineiro forward Diego Tardelli secured the result and maintained Dunga’s 100% record in his second spell in charge. Tardelli first pounced on 28 minutes. Chelsea’s Oscar delivered a cross from the right […]
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sambafoot_admin
2014-10-11 19:13:00

Brazil defeated Argentina 2-0 in Beijing to win their third consecutive Superclásico de las Américas.

A goal either side of half-time from Atlético Mineiro forward Diego Tardelli secured the result and maintained Dunga’s 100% record in his second spell in charge.

Tardelli first pounced on 28 minutes. Chelsea’s Oscar delivered a cross from the right and after Federico Fernández headed away weakly, the Santa Bárbara d’Oeste native was on hand to volley beyond goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

If his first goal highlighted Tardelli’s technique, then his second was more reliant on instinct. Once more, Oscar was heavily involved, with his corner flicked on by David Luiz to the waiting 29 year-old, who nodded in from a few yards out.

Brazil had ended the contest much the stronger side, but the opening exchanges were dominated by Argentina. 

Fresh from a 4-2 win over world champions Germany, Gerardo Martino’s men threatened through two Lionel Messi free-kicks and saw a strong penalty claim for a foul on Sergio Agüero turned away.

Brazil didn’t really come into the contest as an attacking force until Tardelli struck, but soon after threatened through an increasingly dangerous Neymar. The Seleção captain twice cut open the Argentina back line, but lacked the finishing touch.

With Brazil beginning to take control of proceedings, Argentina suddenly found themselves with a chance to get back level, when Danilo was harshly adjudged to have fouled Ángel Di María in the penalty area. 

The responsibility from the spot was Messi’s, but the Barcelona forward was denied by goalkeeper Jefferson.

If Brazil had been given a let off at the end of the first half, they weren’t about to rest on their laurels and pushed more forcefully after the break. Left full-back Filipe Luís skied over when well placed just three minutes into the second period, then Oscar saw his free-kick expertly stopped by Romero.

Argentina were increasingly struggling to piece together any meaningful attacks and no sooner had Jefferson been tested for the first time since the interval – a shot from Messi – Tardelli pounced to double Brazil’s advantage.

With the Seleção  now in control, the game began to go through the motions, though there was still time for Messi to test Jefferson once more, while Neymar forced a late save out of Romero.

Dunga has now won three out of three matches and is yet to see his side concede a goal. Brazil move on to face Japan next in Singapore’s National Stadium on Tuesday and will be buoyed by their upturn in form, as they continue their recovery after a disastrous end to this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Argentina 0-2 Brazil – Diego Tardelli (28′, 62′)

Argentina: Sergio Romero, Pablo Zabaleta, Federico Fernández, Martín Demichelis, Marcos Rojo; Javier Mascherano; Roberto Pereyra (Enzo Pérez 76’), Ángel Di María; Érik Lamela (Javier Pastore 61’); Lionel Messi ©, Sergio Agüero (Gonzalo Higuaín 61’)

Argentina unused substitutes: Agustín Marchesín, Nahuel Guzmán, Santiago Vergini, Nicolás Otamendi, Facundo Roncaglia, Leonel Vangioni, Fernando Gago, Nicolás Gaitán, Éver Banega

Head Coach: Gerardo Martino

Brazil: Jefferson; Danilo, Miranda, David Luiz (Gil 90’), Filipe Luís; Elias, Luiz Gustavo; Willian, Oscar, Neymar © (Robinho 90+5’); Diego Tardelli (Kaká 82’)

Brazil unused substitutes: Rafael Cabral, Marcelo Grohne, Juan Jesus, Dodô, Mário Fernandes, Rômulo, Philippe Coutinho, Everton Ribeiro, Souza

Head Coach: Dunga